BUGS ANSWER ROAD LOSS IN RIVERKINGS VICTORY
The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs answered last Tuesday’s 4-1 loss in impressive fashion, beating Memphis by the same score at CenturyTel Center last Friday.  The Bugs scored three power play goals, two of which by Forbes MacPherson.  Ryan Fairbarn notched three assists as the Mudbugs were able to snap the RiverKings’ ten game winning streak.

OFFENSE AMPS UP AGAINST AUSTIN
Five different Mudbugs scored as Bossier-Shreveport led three to nothing before Austin was able to register a goal.  Jason Basile’s shorthanded goal kept Austin from rallying any further in the second period.  Jason Williamson had his first two point game in his career. 

MUDBUGS CLAW THEIR WAY TO AN OVERTIME WIN AT AUSTIN
Karlis Zirnis’s second period goal wouldn’t be enough against an Austin Ice Bats team playing with their pride on the line.  Ray Smegal scored at 6:44 in the third period to even the game and eventually send it to overtime.  The veteran combination of Forbes MacPherson and Dan Wildfong came through in the clutch for the Mudbugs.  Wildfong drove the puck to the net and MacPherson finished the play, slipping the puck past Austin goaltender Tony Quesada.  John DeCaro allowed only one goal for the third straight game.

WILD GAME IN ODESSA ENDS IN VICTORY
The Mudbugs appeared to have the game in hand on Tuesday night against Odessa, leading 4-1 at the end of the second period.  Forbes MacPherson, Cam Abbott, Daniel Pegoraro and Dan Wildfong all contributed to give the Bugs a comfortable lead.  Mike Ramsey cut the game to a two goal lead for the Bugs when  he scored in the opening minutes of the third period.  Kyle Musselman answered with a circus like shot that went off the back of Odessa goaltender Mike Gorman and in then the net to make it a 5-2 game.  The Jackalopes then poured on a two goal rally with scores by Jeff Ewasko, one of which a deflection from the point.  Forbes MacPherson gained control of a loose puck in the neutral zone and scored an empty net goal to put the game away and finish January on winning note for the Mudbugs.

MUDBUGS STARS OF THE WEEK
FORBES MCPHERSON – Scored eight points in four games providing the majority of the Mudbug offense.
JOHN DECARO – Carried a 1.00 goals-against average through three games and more importantly, back-stopped four victories in five nights.
BRIAN SUTHERLAND – Scored two assists in to two road games while finishing a plus three in the same time span.  It’s the first time in his pro career he scored in consecutive games.

NEWS AND NOTES
-The Mudbugs scored a season high six goals in Tuesday’s game against Odessa.
-The minimum for goalie league leaders is now 750 minutes played, which means John DeCaro is now number one in goals-against average (2.31) and save percentage (.930).

MARDI GRAS JERSEY AUCTION
The Mudbugs will be wearing special Mardi Gras Jerseys that will be auctioned off after the game, brought to you by Pierremont Facial Plastic Surgery and Sleep Diagnostics.

99X BUMPER STICKER GIVE AWAY
The first 1,000 fans through the gates on Saturday night will receive a Mudbugs bumper sticker courtesy of 99X FM.

POST GAME PARTY THIS SATURDAY AT BUFFALO WILD WINGS
Make sure you swing by Buffalo Wild Wings after the game on Saturday, February 3rd.  The team will be hanging out and greeting the fans after this weekend’s double header against Memphis.

NEXT POWERPLAY WITH SCOTT MUSCUTT MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19TH–
Power Play with Scott Muscutt will resume on Monday, February 19th after the Mudbugs six game road trip through Ohio and Colorado.  The show will air at 6 PM from Buffalo Wild Wings at the Louisiana Boardwalk in Bossier City.  The next show after that is scheduled for Wednesday, March 7th.

MUDBUGS ON THE RADIO
Friday, February 2nd  (vs. Memphis RiverKings) – 6:45 PM on 1130 KWKH
Saturday, February 3rd (vs. Memphis RiverKings) – 6:45 PM on 1130 KWKH (Potential Delayed Start with LSU Basketball)

THIS WEEK –
The Mudbugs welcome their archrival back to town, the Memphis RiverKings.  Both games begin at 7:05 PM.  The Bugs sit only six points behind Memphis in the Northeast division as playoff race heats up.  Saturday is Mardi Gras night, the team will wear special Mardi Gras jerseys that will be off immediately following the game.  Group tickets are available for both games by calling the front office at (318) 752-BUGS.